Lead free bullets for 6mm and .243: the Fox Classic Hunter range

Both Fox Classic Hunter weights in 6mm (.243) — 80gr and 100gr — what each suits, and the twist rate you need.

Last updated 28 July 2026

The 6mm bore, .243 inches in diameter, is the smallest calibre legal for deer across most of the UK and one of the most popular for the smaller species. Fox makes the Classic Hunter in two weights at this diameter: 80 grain and 100 grain. Both are lead free copper-zinc alloy, both in boxes of 50.

80 grain or 100 grain?

This is the whole decision at this diameter, and it comes down to what you shoot and how far.

	80 grain	100 grain
G1 BC	0.293	not published
Length	27.2 mm	30.1 mm
Best for	Roe, muntjac, CWD	Larger-bodied deer
Character	Light and fast, flat	More energy retained

The 80 grain is the one most .243 stalkers should start with. It is light for the calibre, which means high velocity and a flat trajectory, and 27.2mm is short enough to stabilise in almost any factory .243 barrel. On roe, muntjac and Chinese water deer it is more than sufficient.

The 100 grain exists for people pushing the .243 harder than it is usually pushed — larger-bodied deer, or longer shots where the extra mass helps. It is 30.1mm long, which is a lot of bullet for a 6mm case, so check both your twist rate and your magazine length before committing to a box.

Check your twist rate first

A 1:10 twist .243 — still common on older rifles — may not stabilise the 100 grain reliably. A 1:8 or faster will. See twist rate for lead free bullets before you buy.

Which cartridges take these bullets

Any cartridge using a .243 inch projectile. In UK deer stalking that is overwhelmingly the .243 Winchester, with a growing minority shooting the 6mm Creedmoor.

Related guides

.243 Winchester

Which Fox Classic Hunter weight to load in a .243 Winchester, the twist rate question, and what the 2029 restriction means for the calibre.

6mm Creedmoor

Fox Classic Hunter in the 6mm Creedmoor: why the faster twist opens up the heavier option, and which weight to pick.

Moving from lead

If you have been shooting 100gr lead in your .243, do not assume you want 100gr copper-zinc. The lead free 100 grain is considerably longer than its lead equivalent and behaves differently in the case. Most people making the switch are better served dropping to the 80 grain, which gives up very little on UK deer and buys back velocity, magazine room and twist-rate headroom.

6mm (.243) Fox Classic Hunter

Projectiles only — no powder, primers or loaded ammunition.

Fox Classic Hunter

6mm (.243) 80gr · box of 50

£55.00

Fox Classic Hunter

6mm (.243) 100gr · box of 50

£57.00

See the full Fox Bullets range →

What twist rate do I need for the Fox 100gr .243?

At 30.1mm the 100 grain is a long bullet for the calibre. A 1:8 twist will stabilise it comfortably; a 1:10 may not. If your rifle is 1:10 or slower, the 80 grain is the safer choice.

Is the .243 enough for deer with a lead free bullet?

For roe, muntjac and Chinese water deer, yes — the .243 is a well-proven calibre for these species and the Fox 80 grain is designed for exactly this work. Statutory minimums vary between England, Wales and Scotland, so check the rules where you stalk.

Can I use these in a 6mm Creedmoor?

Yes. The 6mm Creedmoor uses the same .243 inch bullet diameter, so both Fox weights fit. The Creedmoor's typically faster twist also makes the 100 grain a more comfortable proposition than in an older .243 Winchester.